Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Agricultural Genetics
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2022/23 ( January 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Simone McCabe
Departments: Agriculture, Food and Animal Health
Module Description: This module will focus on the challenges facing land-based production in the 21st century and on the role of emerging genetics based and advanced breeding technologies in meeting these challenges sustainably.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Apply the principles of quantitative genetics to the genetic improvement of animals and crops and evaluate the influence of genotype and environment in the inheritance of desirable traits.
MLO2 Critique the importance of genetics, parental traceability and molecular markers in selective animal breeding.
MLO3 Assess recombinant DNA techniques in the production of genetically modified organisms and their applications in Agriculture.
MLO4 Analyse and appraise the legal and regulatory issues surrounding the production and release of GMOs into the environment.
MLO5 Demonstrate practical competence in selected biotechnological/molecular related techniques.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Introduction to Genetics
Overview of genes, genomics and genetic inheritance. Study of gene expression and the implications of mutations. Genetic techniques in the engineering of microbes, plants and animals (genetically modified organisms).
Applications in Crop Biotechnology
Role of genetic techniques in crop protection, quality and nutrition, and in the production of animal feeds.
Animal Genetics & Breeding
Intro to animal breeding. Quantitative genetics. Selection methods and response to selection. Genomic Selection and Genetic evaluations/indexes.
Risk assessment and Legislation
Biosecurity and food safety, quality, traceability, risks and 'best practice' in GMO food-production.
Practicals
Molecular techniques such as cloning using DNA vectors and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Practical laboratory skills will be supplemented with Labster virtual lab software.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work50.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
Overall pass mark of 40% must be achieved in the module

Assessments

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will focus on improving their practical skills and critical analysis of experimental results. Group (peer-assisted learning) work will be encouraged. Students will participate in one face-to-face laboratory practical, supplemented with online practical classes and simulations. Students will be assessed using written reports, in class quizzes or presentations.
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full-time workload.
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly lectures on indicative content Every Week 1.50 1.5
Practical Contact 1 laboratory practical on molecular genetic techniques Every Week 0.50 0.5
Directed Reading Non Contact Journal articles, reports, book chapters Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact Self/Group study Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Oksana Ableitner. (2021), Introduction to Molecular Biology, Springer Nature, p.93, [ISBN: 978-3-658-33920-3].
  • Varshney, R. K., Pandey, M.K., Chitikineni, A.. (2018), Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology, [ISBN: 978-3-319-913].
  • Temple Grandin. (2022), Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals, 3rd. Elsevier, p.586, [ISBN: 9780323857529].
  • Isik, F. ,Holland, J.and Maltecca, C.. (2017), Genetic Data Analysis for Plant and Animal Breeding, [ISBN: 3319551779].
  • L. Bodiguel and M. Cardwell. (2010), The Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms, Oxford University Press.
  • B.A. Koch. (2010), Damage Caused by Genetically Modified Organisms: Comparative Survey of Redress Options for Harm to Persons, Property or the Environment, SLR.
  • Ram Lakhan Singh,Sukanta Mondal. (2017), Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture, Woodhead Publishing Limited, Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc, p.458, [ISBN: 0128121602].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources